Concert Documentary Review
Tony Orlando
The Bear’s Den
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Friday July 17, 2026
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
It was just two years ago that one of the finest entertainers of his time Tony Orlando called it a day on the road. He cited long delays at airports and cancellations and the whole headache of traveling at what he called the right time for him. He did a short final tour that included the other Niagara Falls and he quietly sailed away into the sunset. Friday evening he made a return to The Bear’s Den inside Seneca Niagara Casino. While he did retire from touring, he missed his fans. They were the ones who he appreciated and the real reason why he was there Friday evening. He wanted to say thank you for everything.
Billed as His Stories You’ll Always Remember, A Night You’ll Never Forget. Backed by visuals and sound clips Orlando took the crowd on a journey through his career. He talked about all the different phases and mentioned so many people he had met and came across on his journey. It was a new kind of show, a live documentary of his life as told by him.
The first part of the show seemed to drag on a bit before things picked up. He went through how he became a singer and had worked with producer Don Kirshner in the early going. With the recent passing of record mogul Clive Davis he spent a huge portion of his show discussing his time working with him as well.
Seeing how the show took place in the intimate setting of The Bear’s Den, a few fans were able to share some of their past experiences with Orlando. He performed “Candida” and “Knock Three Times” to a music backing track to keep the fun as he had no band with him.
Overall the show may have been the longest show ever in the Bear’s Den clocking in at two and a half hours long. He joked at one point he wanted to break Springsteen’s record of three hours and fourteen minutes. Regardless of the facts, Orlando is still very much a loved and respected entertainer. His stories are some of the most genuine out there with all the acquaintances he has met over the years.
He said Lionel Richie was one of the catalysts behind his decision to go out a do a few of these live documentaries from time to time. He said others such as Neil Diamond are also looking into the possibility to do them. Glad we were the guinea pigs on something that may very well become the next big thing. I didn’t want to give away too much of the show and focused on the highlights. Orlando did say each show will be a work in progress as it allows him to talk about things on the fly. As you know Orlando is one who is never at a loss for words. Come back soon Tony!
